Instead of defaulting to Netflix, picture yourself spending an evening creating resin coasters embedded with autumnal leaves and a hint of glitter. No matter the project – or the season, for that matter - making something with your hands can trigger feel-good hormones, leaving you calmer and brighter. What’s not to like?
Whether it’s dipping fallen leaves in beeswax, foraging for a wreath or transforming pumpkins with exotic decoupage, autumn adult crafts are increasingly popular for good reason. Here are five adult-friendly autumn craft ideas to spark your imagination, and support your wellbeing.
Etsy
Papermaking Kit With Dried Fall Leaves, £54
Feeling frantic? Put away your phone and have a crack at creating your own decorative paper using fallen leaves such as birch, maple, oak and magnolia. This mindful, tactile process will slow you down and anchor your attention to the present. The slightly translucent sheets, which showcase the delicate beauty of each leaf, make pretty gift tags, greeting cards or seasonal decorations.
Bristol
Pumpkin Decoupage Workshop, £45
Ditch the carving knife and get your glue stick ready! Join a decoupage workshop in Bristol to turn ordinary pumpkins into one-of-a-kind works of art using patterned paper, scissors and your own brilliant creativity. Sip, snack and glue your way to a pumpkin masterpiece that will be way cooler than anything else in the neighbourhood. Learning new skills in a social setting will give you a boost and your brain a creative workout.
Etsy
DIY Pumpkin Lantern Kit for Two, £34
After a demanding day online, there’s something wonderfully grounding about shaping air-dry clay with your hands. Invite a friend over and get to work sculpting a couple of pumpkin lanterns. This kit comes with air-dry clay, acrylic paints and sealer - everything you need, including step-by-step instructions and a video guide - to make it beginner-friendly.
Hobbycraft
Create a Fresh Foraged Autumnal Wreath
Get out of the house and go on your very own foraging mission. Hunt for leaves, branches and pinecones or grab some seasonal foliage from a florist to design a wreath. The wilder, the better. Everyone knows that reconnecting with nature reduces stress and lift moods. Using a soaked oasis base, layer your finds diagonally into a circular shape. Tuck in dried flowers or seed heads wherever you spot gaps, then hang with ribbon or wire.
Hobbycraft
Cricut: Make Matisse Inspired Pumpkins
Who says pumpkins need to be spooky? Brighten up your house by decorating ceramic pumpkins with DIY colourful vinyl cut-outs inspired by Henry Matisse. Play with shapes, colours and layers for a bold design. There is no right or wrong way to do it. It’s just a lot of fun, and a little creative therapy for the soul.
